Costco members blast company over failed gourmet product

It's a surprising blunder for a company that's known for quality.

May 11, 2025 - 16:57

Costco members blast company over failed gourmet product

There’s a reason so many people are willing to spend $65 or $130 a year to get access to Costco.

Despite the cost of a membership, Costco offers a world of value. Customers can load up on inexpensive groceries and household essentials, thanks to the store’s bulk discounts.

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A lot of people are strapped for cash these days because of lingering inflation. So access to affordable staples is crucial.

Costco is also known for its commitment to quality. With few exceptions, if you buy something at Costco that doesn’t meet your needs or standards, you can return it to customer service for a full refund.

Costco is so committed to quality that it will even refund your membership itself if you ask for your money back.

Costco members blast company over gourmet product failure.
Image source: Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty

Costco likes to keep its inventory interesting

Another nice thing about shopping at Costco, aside from the potentially huge savings, is that the company is constantly adding new products to its lineup.

Costco understands that the “treasure hunt” element of shopping at its mammoth stores is a huge draw.

Customers like the idea of wandering those warehouse club aisles in search of new and interesting products. And keeping things fresh helps Costco’s bottom line, too.

Though many consumers are being more choosy in how they spend their money these days, it’s hard to resist the temptation of a new Costco buy. So it’s pretty common to walk into Costco with a short grocery list, only to come out with a supersized shopping cart full of products.

Costco products aren’t always a hit

Although Costco is very mindful of the products it puts on its shelves, not every new addition is a winner.

Recently, Costco started selling shrimp ceviche in its stores. And while customers were initially excited to see a gourmet item added to its lineup, the response has been overwhelmingly negative.

One user said, "This ain't ceviche...this is just shrimp & pico de gallo."

Another went so far as to call Costco's offering the "Taco Bell version of ceviche."

One big gripe about Costco's ceviche is that it's supposed to be made from raw fish. Costco's version is cooked.

That could be intentional on Costco's part, as cooked food tends to pose less of a safety issue. Still, ceviche purists seem unhappy with Costco's attempt at a gourmet dish.

This isn't the only gripe Costco members have had about the food lately. Recently, a number of members took to Reddit to complain that the store's chicken breasts were disgusting.

And although the $4.99 rotisserie chicken is often hailed as one of Costco’s best deals, the reality is many members aren’t fans. Some insist that it has a chemical taste, while others dislike the way it’s seasoned.

Costco was also blasted not so long ago for making changes to its beloved jumbo bakery muffins. Not only did the muffin size shrink, but Costco changed up the classic flavors that members knew and loved.

More retail:

It’s a good thing to see Costco making changes to its inventory, because part of the value of a membership comes from the opportunity to try new products. But the company may want to be a bit more selective in the items it adds, in light of recent backlash.

And based on initial member reactions, it won’t be surprising to see the shrimp ceviche disappear before long.

Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.